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POB: Kharan protests back March Against Baloch Genocide by Pak Army

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POB: Kharan protests back March Against Baloch Genocide by Pak Army

In a recent development, a massive protest took place in Kharan, Pakistan where a large crowd of people expressed their unwavering solidarity with the Baloch people in their ongoing march against the Baloch genocide. Events like this emphasizes how powerfully the Baloch people have united to voice their opposition to the injustices they endure and the need for international attention and action to address this ongoing crisis.

In addition to the protest in Kharan, protests have also been observed in Noshki on call of Baloch Yakjehti Committee. These protests mark difficult days for Pak Army. The march started in response to the Pak Army’s extrajudicial killing of Balach Mola Bakhsh, which raised questions about enforced disappearances and violations of human rights in Pakistan-occupied Balochistan.

The Baloch people have been subjected to constant oppression since March 27, 1948, including daily home raids, disappearances, staged encounters, target killings, torture, and kidnappings for ransom. The world observes the Baloch people’s brave resistance, and the cry for justice echoes outside of Balochistan. This cry won’t stop until the Pak Army’s repressive hold is released and the voices of the Baloch people are acknowledged and heard.

Pak-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan: Women protest against increase in wheat prices

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Pak-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan: Women protest against increase in wheat prices

In an unprecedented event, women from Hunza a district in Pakistan occupied Gilgit Baltistan (POGB), hit out the streets in Aliabad area against the soaring prices of wheat, consequently from the removal of subsidy. The protest was held by the Women Business Association of POGB. Notably, people across POGB are already protesting at the district level. It has been 16 days, since these protests started after the occupying government issued notification on December 26th setting new price at Rs. 36 per kg.

Rapid increase in wheat prices

Earlier, in June last year, the prices of wheat increased from Rs. 12 to Rs. 20, which has now again been increased to Rs. 36 per kg. The situation is further aggravated by the newly imposed Finance Act 2023. The protestors are arguing that the prices of basic amenities in POGB is double than in entire Pakistan, which has occupied the region. According to them, subsidy is not alms but the right of people of POGB which is provided under the UN regulations since 1970s. At the front of the protests is the Awami Action Committee of POGB, which has been vocally defending the rights of people. They argue that there must be no imposition of taxes on the people of POGB. The Kashmiris in POGB have been kept alienated from their rights and their resources have been exploited by Pakistan.

Accordingly, the electricity produced out of their resources is sold to them on the prices that are equivalent to four times the production cost, which is more than what people from Pakistan pay. This discrimination and exploitation have agitated the people. And that is why in the jaw dropping winters, the daily business are stopped, and people are out on the streets protesting the absolute colonialism of Pakistan. Seeing no way out, now the women in Hunza, have also come out to the streets to join the protesting men.

No redressal from Pakistan

Awami action Committee has been warning Pakistan and its puppet government in POGB for quite some time, but their righteous voices have gone unheard so far. Instead of taking cognizance of the seriousness of the matter, Pakistan is using the coercive measure. First, it has included the members of Awami Action Committee in Schedule 4, identifying peaceful protestors as terrorists; second, they imposed Section 144 in Gilgit to thwart the protest. And above all, it is also misusing its influence over media due to which the protest has remained out of mainstream reporting. No media house is emphatically reporting the agitation which is of key importance for the lakhs of POGB population.  

So, women leaving their daily business in Hunza to hold a protest signifies that the problem faced by them is quite big and needs urgent redressal. Unfortunately, after 16 days of agitation, no constructive decision has come out.

#IStandWithBalochMarch campaign against Baloch genocide gains global solidarity

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#IStandWithBalochMarch campaign against Baloch genocide gains global solidarity

The recent social media campaign launched by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) #IStandWithBalochMarch is gaining global momentum. People worldwide are uniting on social media and sharing their videos and posts to support the Baloch people in their march against the ongoing Baloch genocide.

The latest post by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) presents a video compilation of people belonging to various regions, age groups and professions who are expressing their unwavering solidarity with the Baloch people march against the ongoing Baloch genocide by using the #IStandWithBalochMarch campaign. By sharing their video clips people are encouraging the participants of the Sit-In at NPC, Islamabad and resist the genocide of the Baloch nation. People have shown this to the Pak establishments that families at NPC, Islamabad are not alone in their struggle but people across the world stand with them in their cause. BYC expresses gratitude to all those who have participated in the social media campaign, as their messages of solidarity serve as a source of courage in this ongoing struggle.

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) recently launched a global social media campaign #IStandWithBalochMarch: Uniting Voices for Justice to draw global attention and solidarity to the ongoing atrocities on the Baloch people. The campaign invites everyone to join in showing support for the Baloch March, with a special emphasis on the people of Pakistan. It has been long since the Baloch people have organised and resisted genocide through peaceful means. There is an urgent need to work together to stop false information spreading, alter damaging narratives and put an end to the Baloch Genocide, which includes extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances. By sharing their opinions via social media posts and videos the campaign seeks support from people around the world for Baloch’s long march. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the struggles, resilience, and unwavering determination of the Baloch people in their struggle for justice and human rights through these personal accounts.

The resource-rich province of Balochistan was forcibly occupied by the Pak Army on March 27, 1948. The Baloch people have since been subjected to ceaseless persecution, genocide, home invasions, abductions for ransom, simulated encounters, target killings, torture, and kidnappings. There is a sincere call for justice and fundamental human rights in the ongoing Baloch Long March. It is consistent with the belief that every community must protect the welfare and dignity of its citizens. The Baloch community is still fighting for justice, and they are appealing to the world to hear their cries. It emphasizes how urgently the world needs to pay attention to and take action in response to the prevalent human rights violations in Balochistan.

TTP wrecks havoc on Pak Army, kills 21 personnel

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TTP wrecks havoc on Pak Army, kills 21 personnel

Pakistan is facing the wrath  of its own misdeeds when it comes to the damages inflicted by the terrorist organization Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). At the western front, Pakistan is witnessing a significant rise in terrorist attacks by TTP which ranges from small standoffs and shelling on Pakistan Army to capturing villages and an attack on Airforce base in Mianwali. Point being, the intensity of attacks is constantly on the rise raising serious questions on self-proclaimed number one army.

In the latest development, Pakistan Army has suffered a huge loss of 21 personnel in multiple attacks by TTP in just couple of days. The attacks started since the night of January 9th  in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province with the most dangerous attack in Lakki Marwat area, Bannu yesterday.

In an ambush attack on the Pakistan Army convoy at Mianwali Road in Lakki Marwat, 12 personnel died while many were left injured, as claimed by TTP. In the statement issued by TTP, its spokesman Muhammad Khurasani stated that soon after the attack 2 helicopters and 5 ambulances were rushed to the site.

Khurasani claimed that the number of casualties may be even more. According to him, TTP also engaged in a direct firing with the personnel of Pakistan Army in which two of its terrorists, named Aftab alias Maling and Ehsanullah alias Ahmed got killed.   

More TTP attacks

Talking about the attack a night before, Khurasani stated that TTP terrorists barged into a Police check post near Laki Toll Plaza at Kohat-Indus Highway in Kohat district and killed 5 police personnel. The ruthlessness of the terrorist didn’t stop there, later, they also attacked a police vehicle that approached the attacked site that resulted into the potential killing of three more police men.

TTP also looted the weaponry from the deceased police men. On the same night, TTP also attacked a police post in Mandan Torkala area of ​​Bannu district, killing 4 police personnel, including an ASI. Apart from the killings 3 police men were brutally injured. Furthermore, in the ensued gunfight, 2 terrorists were also slain.

Since past year, TTP has emerged as a consequential terrorist organization, which has ruptured the Pak Army façade of security at the wester front. The interplay of Pak Army and TTP, which had earlier, devastated the local Pashtun population in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has now become a havoc for the same Pak Army. The terrorists, whom they harboured and provided with the combat prowess, are now using the same against them. However, even more disappointing is the fact that Pakistan Army still employes terrorism as a key instrument in its policy for regional instability. Also, it does not refrain from employing coercive measures against its own people who raise this issue for the betterment of Pakistan. This makes it evident that Pakistan is trapped in a sphere of violence that could eventually end up ceasing its own existence.

PTM Europe reaches out to UN against Pashteen’s enforced disappearance by Pak Army

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PTM Europe reaches out to UN against Pashteen’s enforced disappearance by Pak Army

The arrest of Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, a prominent figure and leader of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM), has sparked widespread concern among international observers and human rights advocates. PTM Europe has reached out to UN High Commissioner of Human Rights, Volker Turk against the enforced disappearance of their chief Manzoor Pashteen by the Pakistan Army and ISI. Pashteen’s Enforced Disappearance by ISI and Police personnel, immediately following his release on bail from Adiala Prison in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has drawn attention to alleged human rights violations.

PTM Europe Letter To UNHCHR (Photo: News Intervention)

Despite confirmation, through a writ, from the Ministry of Interior that Pashteen was not sought by Punjab Province Police, his abduction is deemed a clear violation of constitutional rights, international law, and the UN Charter. This incident unfolds against a backdrop of previous events, including an attempted assassination on December 4, 2023, when Pakistan Army fired at Pashteen’s car near Chaman Press Club. Subsequently, he was unlawfully arrested in a joint ISI-Police operation in Chaman district of occupied Balochistan, allegedly to prevent his participation in a human rights sit-in at Turbat District, Balochistan.

Reports have emerged detailing Pashteen’s alleged mistreatment and torture while in police custody for a month, highlighting concerns about his safety after his recent disappearance for the past four days. Pashteen’s PTM, advocating for Pashtun rights, has faced persistent crackdowns in Pakistan.

Previous attacks on PTM and Pashtuns

Incidents such as the ransacking of PTM offices in Islamabad following a protest rally in August 2023 and the raid on PTM’s office in Peshawar in January 2020 have fueled tensions.

Previously, Pashteen has been a target of threats and violence, including direct fire from a Pakistan Army colonel in February 2019, raising concerns about the establishment’s handling of dissenting voices and human rights defenders.

The PTM Europe has urgently appealed to the United Nations, global civilized nations, and international human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to intervene, urging Pakistan to release Pashteen immediately and cease harassment, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and other alleged violations against PTM activists.

This application to the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva signifies escalating international concerns over Pakistan’s handling of dissent and human rights issues, particularly in Pashtun territories, emphasizing the need for immediate attention to safeguard fundamental rights and protect activists like Manzoor Pashteen.

Global social media campaign to end Baloch genocide & unite voices for justice

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Global social media campaign to end Baloch genocide & unite voices for justice

Recently, the Baloch Youth Council (BYC) has launched a global social media campaign #IStandWithBalochMarch: Uniting Voices for Justice to draw global attention and solidarity to the ongoing atrocities on the Baloch people.

The campaign urges every individual around the world specifically the people of Pakistan to join this campaign of solidarity with the Baloch March. It has been long since the Baloch people have organised and resisted genocide through peaceful means. A campaign of systematic disinformation and internet censorship has been launched against the participants of the Baloch March. There is an urgent need to work together to stop false information spreading, alter damaging narratives and put an end to the Baloch Genocide, which includes extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances. The campaign urges people, their peers, coworkers, human rights advocates and others to lend a hand by sharing their opinions via social media posts and videos.

Moreover, BYC intends to disseminate direct resources and stories from people who have visited the sit-in camp, offering firsthand recollections and testimonials that emphasize the gravity of the situation the Baloch community is facing. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the struggles, resilience, and unwavering determination of the Baloch people in their struggle for justice and human rights through these personal accounts.

On March 27, 1948, Pak Army forcefully occupied the resource-rich province of Balochistan. Since then, the Baloch people have endured relentless oppression, and genocide, facing home raids, disappearances, staged encounters, target killings, torture, and kidnappings for ransom.

The ongoing Baloch Long March is a heartfelt call for justice and basic human rights. It resonates with the idea that every community should safeguard the well-being and dignity of its people.

The Baloch community is pleading with the world to pay attention to their cries as they continue to fight for justice. It highlights how urgently the widespread violations of human rights in Balochistan require international attention and action.

Pakistan imposes section 144 in Pak-occupied Gilgit to halt protests

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Pakistan imposes section 144 in Pak-occupied Gilgit to halt protests

Pakistan occupied Gilgit Baltistan (POGB) is vehemently protesting against the brutal Pakistani establishment and its puppet government in POGB. And at the centre of struggle is the indiscriminate hike in the wheat prices along with the imposition of cruel taxes under new Finance Act 2023. In a move to thwart the ongoing protests, the occupying-government imposed Section 144 in Gilgit which resisted the protest, rendering people further agitated. Meanwhile, heavy police and FC forces were deployed at Ghari Bagh in Gilgit.

This move comes along with inclusion of many protestors and leaders of Awami Action Committee in Schedule 4, which inscribes the proscribed persons under Anti-Terrorism Act 1977.

The inclusion has further exacerbated the tensions between the Awami Action Committee and occupying government. According to the protestors, the imposition of new wheat price was arbitrary and authoritarian in nature and the imposition of Section 144 has further stopped them from raising their righteous voices. To the worse, the inclusion of about 27 people in Schedule 4 has also violated the status of POGB. Awami Action Committee argues that Schedule 4 is the laws of Pakistan not POGB and hence cannot be imposed directly on the native citizens of POGB. And above all, the inclusion is also wrong as it provisions for the terrorists and the Awami Action Committee is the representative of people raising the voice for the rights of the people.   

Chief organiser of Awami Action Committee lambasts establishment over Section 144

After the imposition of Section 144, Chief organizer of POGB Awami Action Committee Ehsan Ali Advocate addressed the protestors on the deployment of FC and police personnel in Gilgit Ghari Bagh on January 7th. In his address he said that from past 14 days they are protesting in entire POGB. Even that day also they were trying to protest but the administration at Gilgit district headquarters stopped them from protesting using force.

He raised questions to the head of occupying government that his government has been formed based on a law named “Government of Gilgit-Baltistan Order, 2018,” the basis of which is the rights of people. It grants rights to the people to voice for their rights and protest to safeguard them.

He went on to say that instead of serving people, the occupying government is serving Islamabad. The wheat subsidy has been revoked by the orders of the caretaker PM who is installed in Islamabad by the IMF. According to him, the inflation in Gilgit Baltistan is double to that of entire Pakistan. He said that subsidy is not alms but the right of the people. Ehsan Ali lambasted the occupying government saying that 60 per cent of the people of POGB, as per official data, are living below the poverty line and still the subsidy has been revoked, only to please the caretaker PM. He warned the people that till 2025, the price of wheat will rise to Rs. 7000 per quintal.

Pakistan breeds terrorists

Raising question on the intensions of the Pakistan Army, he stated that in the name of protection, the security forces are deployed to crush the protestors. The only one protected is the politicians, officers. Launching a staunch criticism, he questioned the excuse of security reason for the imposition of Section 144. He said that there is no threat because the terrorist are breaded by the power holders in occupying government and Pakistani establishment.

The statements of Awami action committee leader clearly highlights the condition of people of Pakistan occupied Gilgit Baltistan and the way Pakistan is trying to alienate them and make them deprived.

Baloch women lead massive protest against Baloch genocide by Pakistan Army

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Baloch women lead massive protest against Baloch genocide by Pakistan Army

In a landmark development, in Turbat, Baloch women led a massive protest rally organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, marking the third phase of their protests against the “Baloch Genocide.” For more than a month, continuous demonstrations have echoed throughout Pak-occupied-Balochistan, where the region has been plagued by atrocities.

Earlier on 7th Jan, thousands rallied in Quetta and Karachi, initiating the Baloch Yakjehti Committee’s (BYC) third phase of protests. The marches, with notable participation from women and children, highlighted escalating concerns about human rights abuses in Balochistan.

In Quetta, the protest commenced at Balochistan University, with demonstrators marching across the city, condemning enforced disappearances and perceived state oppression. Concurrently, in Karachi’s Malir, a substantial crowd, including a significant number of women and children, assembled in one of the area’s largest protests to date.

A sea of voices

The Baloch Long March, starting on December 6, 2023, from Turbat to Islamabad, in the wake of the extrajudicial killing of Balach Mola Bakhsh by Pak CTD, is led by women and families of those forcibly disappeared.

Balochistan is witnessing a transformative moment with protests surfacing in remote villages like Dasht Kuldan, near Gwadar, where such demonstrations were unheard of before. Courageous leaders like Sammi Baluch and Dr. Mahrang Baloch have played a pivotal role, surpassing any in Balochistan’s history.

In Mastung, a significant number of people, including women and children, were observed protesting against human rights violations in Balochistan. Additionally, protests were witnessed in Panjgur as a large rally was held to protest against the “systematic killings of Baloch.” The protest was called by BYC as part of its 3rd phase of protests against “Baloch genocide.”

The stalwart Mama Qadeer Baloch, Vice-Chairman of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), reminded the Pak Army of their failure in Bangladesh, emphasizing that their illusion to subjugate the oppressed by force, kidnapping, and dropping dead bodies will not last long. He appealed to all oppressed ethnic communities, Pashtuns, Sindhis, and other ethnic groups to support BYC’s peaceful sit-in in Islamabad and intensify this protest against the killings and kidnappings by the Army.

Meanwhile, countering the Pak Army’s narrative, Dr. Mahrang Baloch clarified the air concerning the protest. She stated, “It must be understood that the families of missing persons aren’t responsible for the unrest in Balochistan, nor are they engaging in a war of narratives. The state should recognize the peaceful struggle for their loved ones’ release. Daily, the Army undermines our cause with new actions. We are addressing a genuine issue, not fighting a war of narratives.”

Since March 27, 1948, Pak Army forcefully occupied the resource rich province of Balochistan. Since then, the Baloch people have endured relentless oppression, facing home raids, disappearances, staged encounters, target killings, torture, and kidnappings for ransom.

Conversion of Hindus in Pakistan: Religious coercion and systemic challenges

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Conversion of Hindus in Pakistan: Religious coercion and systemic challenges

Hindus are being coercively converted to Islam in Pakistan at a faster pace, in a pursuit of Islamising the entire populace. In an attempt of that, 14 members of a Hindu family have been converted at a single event in Sindh’s Daharki. The entire family including the children were converted by the infamous Mian Javed Ahmad Qadri of Bharchundi dargah. Qadri is notoriously involved in the conversion of Hindu population in and around Daharki.

In the territories controlled by Pakistan, Sindh has the biggest population of Hindus. And hence, it is unfortunate that Sindh is the only region which witnesses the most frequent cases of forced Hindu conversion. The biggest facilitators of these illicit and inhumane conversions are people like Qadri who at the behest of religion organise the most unsacred façade. Apart from Javed Ahmad Qadri, Pir Ayub Jan Farooqi aka Pir Ayub Jan Sirhandi is also a radical bigot who has vowed to convert all the Hindus in the most populous Hindu districts Umarkot (Amarkot) and Tharparkar, the region where he operates.

Simply put, these hate mongers who disguise themselves as Maulanas or Pirs are on a zealotry where they want an ethnic cleansing of all other minorities. However, these Maulanas are not the only ones to be blamed as their ideas and bigotry gets approval from a political entity that calls itself a ‘state.’

Precarious condition of Hindus in a zealot political system

Whether it is judicial system, the administration or the political system, these bigots get a refuge for doing such coward acts of forced conversion. In most of the cases even the FIR are not registered. The minor girls who get abducted are proved as adult on the basis of the forged document and the legal system enjoys being ignorant. This is all happening not because of any lawlessness but a validation of an ideology by the political system that Islam is the only truth and mere existence of any other religion is anti-Islam and that there is no harm in purge of any other religion.  The biggest example of this is the selection of a candidate to the post of caretaker PM who has in the past gavin the statement that could strengthen the courage of these criminals.

It must be remembered that the caretaker PM of Pakistan, Anwar-ul-haq Kakkar wrote a fanatic tweet back in 2020 which says, “We are waiting all Hindus to be persuaded to the enlighten truth of Islam will wait for a millennium no hurry.” The statement itself speaks that the most liberal idea of Pakistan’s political system is to provide a time period for the end of pluralistic society.

So, it must never be thought that at any point of time in future, this precarious situation of Hindus can get any better in Pakistan unless strict measures are taken by the international organisations. The international community and specially those working in the domain of human rights need to address this worsening condition of Hindus and other minorities in Pakistan, but at first they would have to have faith in a fact that Pakistan is no state and is just an entity which is blinded by the religious hatred.    

Baloch Long March sparks a global movement against atrocities by Pakistan

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Baloch Long March sparks a global movement against atrocities by Pakistan

In an inspiring display of unity, thousands of Baloch, including women and children, flooded the streets of Malir, Karachi, demanding an end to enforced disappearances and human rights violations in Pak-occupied Balochistan. The protest, organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, has transformed into a mass movement with overwhelming nationwide support.
The rally in Malir, Karachi, is not merely a local outcry; it is a resounding condemnation of the ongoing Baloch genocide. Despite the Pak “establishment’s” attempts to quell the Baloch Long March through force, the movement has only gained strength, fueled by the unwavering support of the public.

This grassroot movement has transcended borders, with the Balochistan diaspora staging protests outside the White House. Waheed Baloch, a former speaker of the Balochistan Assembly, emphasized that their protests are against the 75 years of atrocities committed by Pakistan in Balochistan.

“We’re protesting against the atrocities that have been done to Balochistan by Pakistan for the last 75 years. We’re protesting here in support of those Baloch families that were abducted and missing. For the last 75 years, Pakistan has forcefully occupied Balochistan,” declared Waheed Baloch.

Sufi Laghari, a member of a Sindhi foundation, criticized Pakistan’s habitual blame on India. He stated, “One of the biggest failures of Pakistan is that they always blame India…thousands of people in Balochistan have disappeared; do you think it is sponsored by India? These are useless weapons they’re using. These are just blames, games and fake theories…This is going to be the end of the story for Pakistan, and we are going to get freedom soon”.

In the face of adversity, Sammi Baloch, a young protester outside the White House, passionately voiced her concern for the Baloch people who have suffered atrocities and human rights violations for decades.

“We are here because many Baloch people have been murdered and they have been genocided and kidnapped by the Pakistan Army. Today we are here to stand with them and their families because what happened to them is atrocious and is a human rights violation,” expressed Sammi Baloch.

Her impassioned plea resonated with the painful history of Pak-occupied Balochistan, a land marred by relentless oppression and heinous crimes against its people since the dawn of occupation in 1948.

Since March 27, 1948, the Baloch people have endured relentless oppression, facing home raids, disappearances, staged encounters, target killings, torture, and kidnappings for ransom. The Long March, ignited by the extrajudicial killing of Balaach Mola Bakhsh, persists in its demands for the release of missing persons, the disarmament of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and accountability for the Army’s transgressions.

It’s a heartfelt request to reveal the harsh truth of the Baloch people’s oppression. They endure a planned genocide without the simple right to peacefully protest. May their voices travel far and wide, urging for immediate help and support from every corner of the world.

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